New York Senate Passes Good Government Legislation Sponsored by Senator David J. Valesky; Bill Prohibits State Agencies from Making Loans to Employees

SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- The New York State Senate passed legislation on May 12, sponsored by State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida), which would prohibit state agencies from making personal loans to employees.

The bill is the latest in a series of bills focused on good government and providing transparency and increased access to citizens.

“There is no situation where it is acceptable for state agencies to provide loans of taxpayer dollars to employees for personal use,” Senator Valesky, Vice President Pro-Tempore of the New York State Senate, said. “This legislation provides accountability for state agencies, and additional protection for taxpayers.”

The bill (S3088) codifies long-overdue reform that has been considered, but not passed,  in the Senate and Assembly for several years.

An Assembly version of the same bill (A1846), sponsored by Assembly Member Joseph Morelle, passed in March.

An outspoken advocate for government reform, Senator Valesky has sponsored several other pieces of good government legislation that have passed the Senate this session. One bill (S-3195) required public bodies to allow recording of public meetings, expanding the options for the general public to take part in public meetings by allowing people in attendance to record, broadcast, webcast and photograph them. Another (S2830) requires the Canal Corporation, a state authority, to inform the public of its intent to sell property through a public hearing and newspaper notices.

“I will continue to work toward legislative solutions to improve the New York State government by making it more transparent, accessible and accountable to all New York citizens,” Senator Valesky said.